Welcome to the 43rd part in our series of troubleshooting articles dedicated to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. It has been nearly a week since we published the last part and since then we have been receiving quite a number of emails from our readers regarding this particular model. As much as we would like to tackle all of the emails that we get, we can only feature most of them here in this latest installment. Some of the issues that we will be discussing in this post can be resolved easily while others need several troubleshooting steps to be performed.
If you own a Galaxy note 3 or any other Android device for that matter then feel free to send us an email at mailbag@thedroidguy.com regarding any concerns that you may have with it. We will be more than happy to help you. This is a free service we are offering with no strings attached. We however ask that when you do send us an email try to be as detailed as possible so that an accurate assessment can be made and the correct solution can be given.
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Note 3 Video Unable To Send Notification
Problem: Hi, I have noticed the last two mornings that when I wake up and check my phone I have an error message, the triangle with the exclamation mark in my notification bar, saying that a video was unable to send. The problem is I didn’t attempt to send a video, this happens while I’m sleeping. Any suggestions on what this may be? The only app I installed prior to this happening was Clean Sweep. Thank you for your help.
Solution: If you didn’t send any videos at all but are getting this message then the most likely reason is that an app is causing this. To check if this is really what is happening you should start your phone in Safe Mode just before you sleep at night. In this mode, all third party applications that you downloaded from the Google Play Store are going to be disabled while only the default apps are running. This makes it easier to troubleshoot any app related problems.
Power off the device.
Press and hold the Power key for one or two seconds to turn on the device.
When the Samsung logo displays press and hold the Volume down key until the lock screen displays.
When the Lock screen is displayed Safe mode is displayed in the lower-left corner of the screen.
If the error message does not appear when you wake up then its very likely that an app is the cause of this problem. You should try uninstalling the Clean Sweep app then boot your phone normally by restarting your phone.
Note 3 Buying Guide
Problem: Hi, im thinking to buy Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and im perplexed on seeing questions in ur site regarding it’s issues. So im really worried. It’s my first attempt to an Android phone,as im a Nokia user from years. So please advice me which one is better… Note3, S4 or S5 ?Actually im very much interested in note is that it’s S pen features and the document works you can do on it. Waiting for your answer.
Solution: If you have been a feature phone user for many years then an Android phone is the best platform you can choose if you want to start using a smartphone. Most experts would recommend that the first Android phone a person should use are the simple ones with less features. I, on the other hand, recommend getting the best phone that your budget can afford.
If you plan on getting the Galaxy Note 3 then this is one of the best devices out in the market today that can give you the best Android experience. Don’t be overwhelmed by the number of issues that you have read regarding this device. The phone doesn’t have that many issues and if you just use it normally then you won’t even experience any issues with it at all.
My personal opinion is that you should get the Note 3.
Note 3 Too Many Apps Running
Problem: Hi I was wondering if you could possibly help me I have a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and it has about 20 different windows starting with their open and when I tried to close them it sends me an error message what can I do to fix this.
Solution: That’s a lot of open windows on your phone. These windows are most probably apps that are running in your phone right now. The error message that you get could mean that there is a glitch in the app.
To resolve this issue you could start by uninstalling the apps that you don’t need or use sparingly.
After uninstalling the apps that you don’t need you should follow this up by wiping the cache partition of your phone. This procedure does not delete your data.
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power key
When ‘GALAXY Note 3′ appears on the screen, let go of the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key.
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
Press the Volume Down key to highlight ‘wipe cache partition.’
Press the Power key to select and wipe the cache.
With ‘reboot system now’ highlighted, press the Power key to restart the device.
If the issue still persists after following the above steps then you should consider doing a factory reset. This procedure deletes all data on your phone so it is important to backup your data first before proceeding.
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power key.
When ‘GALAXY Note 3′ appears on the screen, release the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key.
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘wipe data / factory reset.’
Press Power button to select.
Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘delete all user data.’
Press Power button to select and start the master reset. When the master reset is complete, ‘Reboot system now’ is highlighted.
Press the Power key to turn the restart the device
Note 3 Blank Grey Square Photo Issue
Problem: I have a Note 3 and recently some one said he cleared my Ram or something on my phone because I said it was running a little slow. Now I can’t get any of my pictures in my gallery that are on Facebook. They are all blank gray squares. Anyway I can fix this? Thank you for your time.
Solution: Are your photos synced with your Google+ account? If so then a backup is stored in the cloud (Google Photos) which you can get back in your phone once you re-sync. Make sure you are connected to the Internet, preferably using a Wi-Fi connection.
If your phone has a microSD card and your photos are stored on it then you might want to try removing the card and inserting it in your computer. Check if you can view the photos using your computer. If you can then copy your photos to a folder in your computer.
You should also copy any other data stored in the microSD such as music, documents, and files to you computer. Once all of your data has been copied do a quick format on the microSD.
After the format copy back all of the data to the microSD then reinsert it in your phone.
Note 3 Zooms Randomly
Problem: I have a Note 3 and I will sometimes be working and the screen suddenly zooms to 1000% showing just a small section of the screen I was displaying. It stays in this display mode until I back out the current screen or the app. It is very difficult sometimes forcing me to boot down completely however this requires removing the battery since I cannot get the display to show the office option as it is zoomed when I press the right side control.
Solution: You should try to disable the magnification feature of your phone and see if this resolves the issue. Just go to Settings -> Accessibility -> Magnification gestures enabled, tap to disable.
When magnification gesture is enabled you will be able to
Triple-tap on most screens to zoom in or out.
While zoomed in, you can drag two or more fingers across the screen to pan (move around the screen).
While zoomed in, you can use pinch with two fingers to adjust the zoom level. Move your fingers closer together to zoom in, or apart to zoom out.
Triple-tap and hold to temporarily magnify what’s under your finger. You can then drag your finger across the screen to explore the screen. Lift your finger to return to the regular-size screen.
Note 3 Knox Product Key Invalid
Problem: On launching the Knox Container it pops an error stating the product key is invalid. I need to backup my personal data from it. Can you please help me regarding this? Thank you.
Solution: Samsung has recommended the following troubleshooting steps that should be performed if the invalid product key error occurs when using Knox.
Ensure that your device is connected to either a Mobile or Wi-Fi network. (Settings > General > About device > Status) Check that the IP address is not Unavailable.
Ensure that your device is set to the current date and time.
Contact your KNOX reseller support to verify that the KNOX license key is still valid
If this issue occurred right after you performed a major software update then a factory reset is highly recommended. Make sure you backup your data first before performing the procedure.
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power key.
When ‘GALAXY Note 3′ appears on the screen, release the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key.
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘wipe data / factory reset.’
Press Power button to select.
Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘delete all user data.’
Press Power button to select and start the master reset. When the master reset is complete, ‘Reboot system now’ is highlighted.
Press the Power key to turn the restart the device
Note 3 Call Issues
Problem: Recently my Note 3 only works on speaker when making or taking calls. If I’m on a call and tap the speaker button off I cannot hear the caller on the ear piece but they can hear me. Tap the speaker button on and the call is there. Happens in both hands free mode or regular call mode. Switching bluetooth off has no effect. Running version 4.4.
Solution: This might already be a hardware issue which most probably affects your phone ear piece. The best thing to do is bring your phone to an authorized service center to have it checked.
Before bringing your phone for repairs though it is always a good idea to check if this issue is software related. A factory reset should be done to rule out any software related causes. Before proceeding make sure to back up your data.
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power key.
When ‘GALAXY Note 3′ appears on the screen, release the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key.
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘wipe data / factory reset.’
Press Power button to select.
Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘delete all user data.’
Press Power button to select and start the master reset. When the master reset is complete, ‘Reboot system now’ is highlighted.
Press the Power key to turn the restart the device
Note 3 Power Sharing Notification
Problem: My phone hasn’t seemed to charge well the last two days so I decided to turn the phone off and back on again. My phone did not shut off completely but shut down and rebooted with a message saying: Power Sharing, You must download the app in order to control the amount of power shared. If you connect your device to another device with the Samsung Power Sharing Cable EP-SG900 without the app, the entire battery amount will be tranferred to the other deivice. Connect to Samsung Apps and download the application.
Solution: In most cases this issue is caused by a faulty charger. If you are not using the original wall charger then try using it. If you are using the original wall charger then try replacing it with a new one. It either the USB cable or the charger that has gone bad.
Reboot your phone y taking out the battery and reinserting it. Before turning your phone on connect it to the wall charger. Turn your phone on and let it charge. The error message should dissapear by now.
Note 3 Wi-Fi Activates On its Own
Problem: Hi thedroidguy team, I am having a problem with my samsung gakaxy note n9005. The wifi gets activated itself. No matter how many times I switch it off it gets activated in one second after disabling it. Same is the case with mobile data. I have tried checking advanced wifi settings but of no use. Same is the case with mobile network settings. There are no options such as disable smartphone or disable connection optomizer or any other method available on internet. My note 3 has jelly bean. Please help. Thanks.
Solution: Since your phone is still running on Jelly Bean the first thing that you need to to is to check for updates. The KitKat update for this phone has already been released. This update comes with added features as well as bug fixes that may help resolve the issue. Since this is a major update make sure to do a factory reset once the update has completed. Make sure to backup your data before doing a factory reset.
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power key.
When ‘GALAXY Note 3′ appears on the screen, release the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key.
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘wipe data / factory reset.’
Press Power button to select.
Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘delete all user data.’
Press Power button to select and start the master reset. When the master reset is complete, ‘Reboot system now’ is highlighted.
Press the Power key to turn the restart the device
Note 3 Text Message Sending Issue
Problem: Hi, I have a Samsung Galaxy note 3. I’m in a poor coverage area so I have always had trouble getting text messages to go through as well as talking on the phone when I am at home. I would usually have between 1-3 bars. I convinced Verizon to send me a network extender because that helped a friend of mine with the same phone and same problems but it hasn’t helped at all. I don’t care if I can talk on it but now I get 5 bars and my texts still don’t go through. Please help. Thank you.
Solution: Try rebooting your phone as this helps resolve most text messaging issues.
Turn off phone
Take out the battery
Press and hold the Power button for at least 3 minutes
Reinsert the battery
Turn on phone
Once your phone has fully booted try sending a text message and see if it sends normally.
If the problem still persists then you should check if it is only in your area that you are having a hard time sending a text message. If you can send a text message without any issues in other area then the problem may be with the network extender that you are using.
Note 3 Stuck In Headset Mode
Problem: I have a galaxy note 3 and my phone is stuck in headset mode. I’ve tried taking the battery out, restarting phone, and also actually plugging earphones in and taking it out but nothing helped. How could I fix this problem?
Solution: This issue may be caused by dirt stuck inside the 3.5mm audio jack. Try cleaning the jack with a toothpick. Once you have checked that it is clean repeat the procedure where you repeatedly inserted and took out your headphones.
If the problem still persists then try doing a factory reset. Make sure to backup your data before performing this procedure.
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power key.
When ‘GALAXY Note 3′ appears on the screen, release the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key.
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘wipe data / factory reset.’
Press Power button to select.
Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘delete all user data.’
Press Power button to select and start the master reset. When the master reset is complete, ‘Reboot system now’ is highlighted.
Press the Power key to turn the restart the device
If the issue still persists then you should bring your phone to an authorized service center as this may already be a hardware related problem.
Note 3 Custom Rom Update To KitKat
Problem: Hello, I have not been able to upgrade my note 3 to kitkat yet. I use an at&t note 3 with a custom Rom on it( it’s rooted). When I restart or turn on my phone, custom, with an unlocked padlock icon shows on the screen where samsung galaxy note 3 is written. Pls how do I upgrade to kitkat 4.4.2 or lollipop, from my present android version 4.3? Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you.
Solution: To update your phone you should first determine what type of custom ROM it is using right now. From there, you should go to the developer’s website and download the updated version. Once you have the updated version getting it in your phone can be done by reflashing using Odin. The specific procedure on this can be found at several popular Android forums.
Note 3 Wi-Fi Connection Issues
Problem: Hello! I have a Samsung Note 3 and within the past two days it has kicked me off all of my remembered/saved Wifi connections. I have turned the phone off and on, took the battery out and back in, and nothing work, and i know its just my phone and not the router/modem because my parents have Iphones and they have stayed connected. It will come up as connected and within 5-10 seconds kick me off. What do I do?
Solution: You should try to delete the Wi-Fi profile saved in your phone then scan and connect to it again.
To delete the Wi-Fi connection stored in your phone follow the steps below.
From any Home screen, tap the Menu key.
Tap Settings.
Tap the Connections tab.
If necessary, tap the Wi-Fi Switch to On. The Switch moves right and turns green.
Tap Wi-Fi.
Touch and hold on the Wi-Fi network.
Tap Forget network.
To scan and connect to a Wi-Fi network follow the steps listed below.
From any Home screen, tap the Menu key.
Tap Settings.
Tap the Connections tab.
If necessary, tap the Wi-Fi Switch to On. The Switch moves right and turns green.
Tap Wi-Fi.
If necessary, tap Scan.
Tap the desired Wi-Fi network you want to connect to.
If necessary, enter the password.
Tap Connect.
You should also try disabling WiFi Direct Share and WiFi Direct apps . You can do this by going to Settings, then Application Manager on the All tab.
Note 3 Unfortunately Settings Has Stopped Error Message
Problem: Every time I try to go to my settings it says unfortunately settings has stopped /: I have no idea how to fix this! I’ve turned it off and taken the battery out, the basics but nothing has worked so far. I would greatly appreciate your help! Thank you
Solution: This issue is most probably caused by corrupt data which can be resolved by wiping the cache partition of your phone. This procedure does not delete your personal data.
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power key
When ‘GALAXY Note 3′ appears on the screen, let go of the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key.
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
Press the Volume Down key to highlight ‘wipe cache partition.’
Press the Power key to select and wipe the cache.
With ‘reboot system now’ highlighted, press the Power key to restart the device.
Note 3 Internet Not Working After Network Switch
Problem: I have a note 3 phone and I had it with AT&T but switch server to metro pcs now Internet does not work at all but wifi does do you think you can help me with that? Thanks for your attention.
Solution: The reason why you can connect to the Internet using Wi-Fi but not through mobile data is that your phone probably doesn’t have the Metro PCS Internet settings yet. You should contact your carrier to get the settings in your phone. Alternatively, you can also manually place the settings yourself.
Press Main
Select Settings
Select Wireless and Networks
Select Mobile Networks
Select Access point Names
Delete all APN’s in this section.
Press Menu
Press New APN
Enter the following for data
Name: US – MetroPCS Web
APN: metropcs
Proxy:
Port:
Username:
Password:
Server:
MMSC:
MMS Proxy:
MMS Port:
MMS Protocol: WAP 2.0
MCC: 310
MNC: 16
Authentication Type: PAP
APN Type: default, supl
Enter the following for MMS
PXT Messaging MMS:
Name: US – MetroPCS MMS
APN: metropcs
Proxy:
Port:
Username:
Password:
Server:
MMSC: http://mms.metropcs.net:3128/mmsc
MMS Proxy: proxy.metropcs.net
MMS Port: 3128
MMS Protocol: WAP 2.0
MCC: 310
MNC: 16
Authentication Type: PAP
APN Type: mms
Note 3 Chrome Issue After KitKat Update
Problem: Hi droidguy I have purchased note 3 6 months back. Till the update to kit Kat it was working fine, but only problem is whenever I start chrome within few seconds it shows it is stopped and send a report. Please tell me solution how to stop doing this.
Solution: The update may have affected the Chrome app. To resolve this issue you should clear the cache and data of your Chrome browser. Take note that you will have to setup your browser again after this procedure.
From any Home screen, tap the Menu key.
Tap Settings.
Tap the General tab.
Tap Application manager.
Swipe to All tab.
Tap the Chrome application
Tap Clear cache.
Tap Clear data and then tap OK
Relaunch your Chrome browser and see if the issue still occurs. If it does then you may want to repeat the procedure above but this time instead of tapping on clear cache and data you should tap on uninstall updates instead.
Note 3 Can’t Get Calls
Problem: Hi there, I am having a major issue with my phone and I am getting extremely angry. Sprint won’t even address the issue over the phone, and keeps telling me to take it to the repair center, where they want me to pay $75 I don’t have to MAYBE fix the issue. I can’t get calls. They don’t show up in my call log. I just hear the phone ringing for a few seconds and the screen doesn’t light up. Then the call is gone and there is literally nothing I can do to see it or know who called unless they leave a voicemail. I did have atom launcher and locker and deleted them both. Since then, many glitches have resolved themselves. Please help!! Thank you.
Solution: Have you tried doing a factory reset? This brings your phone back to its original condition when it was new and helps you verify if the problem is something caused by the software or the hardware. Make sure to backup your data first before performing this procedure.
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power key.
When ‘GALAXY Note 3′ appears on the screen, release the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key.
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘wipe data / factory reset.’
Press Power button to select.
Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘delete all user data.’
Press Power button to select and start the master reset. When the master reset is complete, ‘Reboot system now’ is highlighted.
Press the Power key to turn the restart the device
If the factory reset fails to resolve the issue then this may already be a hardware related issue. In this case the best option is to bring your phone to an authorized service center for checking and repair.
Note 3 Text Message Error
Problem: Every time I turn on the Note 3, I get the following text message: It is addressed to +1121611611 and contains the following text: 122 Error Invalid Number. Please resend using a valid 10 digit mobile number or valid short code. It is then followed by this sequence of numbers: 0605040710000041637469766174653A64743D3135
Solution: Have you recently switched carriers? If so then you will be receiving this message if you haven’t changed your voicemail access number. Your phone could still be set using the voicemail number of your previous carrier. All you have to do is to change this to the voicemail access number used by your current carrier and this issue will be resolved.
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The post Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Problems, Errors, Glitches, Troubleshooting and Solutions [Part 43] appeared first on The Droid Guy.